Fire destroys more than 110 homes in Saptari settlement

A massive fire, fueled by winds, burnt down around 110 homes at Chimati in ward 1 of Mahadewa Rural Municipality in Saptari district in south-eastern Nepal on Tuesday.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Dhundiraj Neupane, the fire broke out from Shatrughna Yadav’s home at around 2:30 pm and engulfed two settlements in no time, destroying properties worth millions of rupees.

"The fire spread tremendously fast due to scorching heat and strong winds. More than 100 houses in Yadav tole and Musahar tole were burnt to a cinder," said Jaya Kishor Das, the chairman of ward 1 of Mahadewa Rural Municipality. "No one could salvage their belongings from their homes."

The cause of the fire was not immediately known. The fire came under control partially by late evening. "We are still working to put out the fire. The details of the losses caused have yet to be assessed. Preliminary information shows that around 110 homes were destroyed," said Das. According to him, there are no human casualties in the incident, but several domesticated animals perished.

The security personnel from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force were deployed to fight the blaze. "The security personnel and the locals aided by four fire engines are working tirelessly to douse the fire," said Chief District Officer Kiran Thapa. "Efforts are on to provide immediate relief and make arrangements for shelter to the displaced victims in coordination with the local unit and various social organisations," he added.